On Thursday, January 9, 2020, Dean Jana Hawley welcomed approximately 60 alumni, current students, and guests of the College of Merchandising, Hospitality and Tourism to the first ever alumni mixer for graduates living and working in the greater New York City area.  The gathering was hosted by alumna, Lanessa Elrod, B.S. ’96, President and CEO of Louis Vuitton, who brought along several members of her executive team.  Lanessa shared that her participation on the New York Study Tour inspired the trajectory of her career.  Following her remarks, the three current Merchandising and Digital Retailing students who were in the final round of the National Retail Federation Student Challenge Competition presented their final round presentation to the assembled guests.  Also in attendance were Dr. Tammy Kinley, CMHT Associate Dean, Dr. Christy Crutsinger, CMHT Professor, Mrs. Linda Mihalick, Digital Retailing Lecturer, Mrs. Lisa Wallace, UNT Advancement, and Mr. Richard Last, former CMHT faculty and current Merchandising and Digital Retailing Advisory Board member.